Novo Nordisk Opposes Pharma Tariffs, Calls for Crackdown on Illegal Chinese Semaglutide Imports.

In a recent letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk strongly opposed the imposition of tariffs on pharmaceutical products. Instead, the company urged officials to concentrate on combating unauthorized semaglutide imports—primarily originating from China—which it claims pose a significant national security threat.

The letter, dated May 6, was submitted in response to the Commerce Department’s request for input on its Section 232 national security investigation into pharmaceutical imports. Novo Nordisk called for a focused inquiry into semaglutide, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in its blockbuster drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, emphasizing that unauthorized imports may undermine both national security and domestic investment.

Specifically, Novo highlighted the influx of unapproved semaglutide compounds from China, stating that these imports not only hinder U.S. investments but also evade sufficient regulatory oversight. The company criticized the FDA’s limited control over manufacturers producing these semaglutide knockoffs, which reach U.S. patients through compounded drug channels.

Novo also raised concerns about China’s regulatory environment, noting that of the 19 known companies exporting semaglutide compounds to the U.S., 12 fail to meet Good Manufacturing Practice standards. This lack of compliance, Novo argued, intensifies the risks to the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain.

The Danish firm urged the Commerce Department to prioritize cracking down on these illegal imports while reinforcing partnerships with European allies to maintain a secure supply chain. Novo stated that although a significant portion of its products are developed and packaged in the U.S., much of its manufacturing remains based in Europe, with all semaglutide active pharmaceutical ingredients imported from its facility in Denmark.

Novo cautioned that tariffs or other broad restrictions could jeopardize its U.S. manufacturing investments and disrupt patient access to critical medications. “Protecting the integrity of our supply chain is essential to ensuring Americans continue to receive our high-quality pharmaceutical products without interruption,” the company asserted.

Novo’s position adds to growing resistance among major pharmaceutical companies against the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce drug prices through tariffs and pricing controls. Companies such as Amgen have advocated for policies promoting domestic manufacturing rather than imposing tariffs. Others, including Takeda and AbbVie, have expressed concerns that price control measures could severely impact industry innovation and economic health over the coming decade.

Source:https://www.biospace.com/policy/novo-opposes-pharma-tariffs-urges-crackdown-on-illicit-chinese-semaglutide

This is non-financial/medical advice and made using AI so could be wrong.